1971: Ascent

Mikhail Karpov’s adventures in the USSR continue. Literary success allows the hero to move to Moscow and get his household life in order. After all the trials our hero managed to overcome, copper pipes await him—luck and fortune. The fame of an unexpectedly appeared science-fiction writer runs ahead of him. Recognition helps him somewhere, and somewhere it harms him. A writers’ retreat voucher, substantial fees, and success with women—everything is capable of dulling his attention and making him drift with the waves, getting the most out of life. But the hero is not like that. His tasks are global, and success is only an instrument that brings him closer to achieving his grand goals. Will he have enough strength not to deviate from the chosen course?